Title: The Druid Stone
Series: N/A
Author: Heidi Belleau and Violetta Vane
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: Novel
Publisher: Carina Press (August 6th, 2012)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥3.5Hearts
Blurb: Sean never asked to be an O’Hara, and he didn’t ask to be cursed by one either.
After inheriting a hexed druid stone from his great-grandfather, Sean starts reliving another man’s torture and death…every single night. And only one person can help.
Cormac Kelly runs a paranormal investigation business and doesn’t have time to deal with misinformed tourists like Sean. But Sean has real magic in his pocket, and even though Cormac is a descendant of legendary druids, he soon finds himself out of his depth…and not because Sean’s the first man he’s felt anything for in a long time.
The pair develop an unexpected and intensely sexual bond, but are threatened at every turn when Sean’s case attracts the unwelcome attention of the mad sidhe lords of ancient Ireland. When Sean and Cormac are thrust backward in time to Ireland’s violent history–and their own dark pasts–they must work together to escape the curse and save their fragile relationship.
Reviewer: Showme
Review: This book had a little of everything, M/M romance, wicked Fae, alternate worlds, magic and druids, time travel and a history lesson.
Sean O’Hare has horrible nightmares about being tortured. Are the things he’s living through in his dreams something that happened in a past life or has he been cursed? Either way he’s taken all the pills recommended by multiple therapists but nothing is taking away the nightmares. He wakes up injured and feels he may slowly be losing his mind. Desperate and willing to try anything he finds an online advertisement for a Druid in Ireland whom may be able to help. Problem is the Druid doesn’t want to help him. Sean decides to fly to Ireland and plead his case. Cormac Kelly is from generations of druids and takes his duty seriously but has preconceived ideas of Americans with Irish ancestry and why they’d be coming to him for help. He calls them plastic paddies, which is exactly what he thinks Sean from America is when he shows up on his doorstep. Sean tries to explain what’s happening to him and begs for help but Cormac is bitter and sees something from his past in Sean’s possession. Even so his temper gets the better of him and he manages to make Sean mad enough to leave.
Since Cormac was no help Sean goes with his back-up plan and manages to draw the attention of the King of the Fae, who likes to keep lovely or talented humans to use for his pleasure. I can tell you Cormac does save him this time and thus realizes Sean and his situation is real. So the guys start their working relationship to save Sean.
I did enjoy this book. I liked all the pieces but sometimes the romance and adventure didn’t mesh well for me. Sean and Cormac as a couple were sexy and sweet but sadly I didn’t fall in love with them.
The book had multiple endings and could have easily been more than one book. Just when you think it’s over. They go back for more! Kind of made crazy and I’d put the book down to take a break.
Tons of research had to go into this and I felt like I should have done some too. Not a bad thing but be warned. I just accepted I didn’t know who they were referring to and just kept reading. Worked for me J Most of the imagery was beautiful and I love being able to picture what the author is describing.
Cormac’s family was adorable and quirky. I’d love to be invited to a get together. I had a big WTF moment somewhere in the middle. I was so confused I had to reread and phone a friend. Well, ask her on FB, but you get the point. It came out of nowhere for her, too.
The ending was nice, but was drawn out. I guess it worked for me because even though it wasn’t what I wanted, both men had to reconcile their pasts before they could work out a present life together. I’d recommend this book but be patient and know that it’s more adventure than your normal m/m romance.